peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -shə-lə 

: a portion of land nearly surrounded by water and connected with a larger body by an isthmus

also : a piece of land jutting out into the water whether with or without a well-defined isthmus

the Italian peninsula

peninsular

pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lər 

-shə-lər

adjective

Synonyms of peninsula

• cape
• point
• headland

Examples of peninsula in a Sentence

They built their house on a narrow peninsula.

the peninsula is constantly buffeted by storms

Recent Examples on the Web

The peninsula is home to paradisiacal beaches, a rich gold-mining history, and plenty of opportunities for summer fun. —Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Located between Iran’s southern coast and a peninsula shared by Oman and the Emirates, the strait is a tiny section of sea connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

History of Guana Beach This Atlantic peninsula of Florida was originally inhabited by the Timucua people for nearly 5,000 years. —Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

The Arabian peninsula has no rivers or lakes, and all of the Gulf countries depend on enormous quantities of water pumped from a network of desalination plants on the coast. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin paeninsula, from paene almost + insula island

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for peninsula

• insole
• insula

Kids Definition

peninsula

noun

pen·​in·​su·​la pə-ˈnin(t)-s(ə-)lə  -ˈnin-chə-lə 

: a piece of land nearly surrounded by water or sticking out into the water

peninsular

-s(ə-)lər 

-chə-lər

adjective

Etymology

from Latin paeninsula "peninsula," from paene- "almost" and insula "island" — related to insulate, isle, isolate